Volleyball Source Magazine: Volume 4, Issue #4

It was a year end to remember, or maybe forget, as ice storms plagued much of this country, rendering many of us powerless for extended periods. Thankfully, the past few months also brought plentiful good news on the volleyball front, so read on.

Inside you’ll find the latest on World League 2014, which finds Canada back in the mix, though we did get stuck in Pool C again with familiar foe Finland. Our women will have their moment in the sun, too, as they will once again join the Grand Prix party. For the full story on that, and to see where our big boys and girls are playing in the meantime, check out Everett Delorme’s features.

You’ll also meet hard-hitting Gavin Schmitt, on the mend after late-season surgery, and get the goods on the 2013 beach season, which came to a climax in Trinidad and Tobago. Two Canuck pairs grabbed gold there.

There’s also coverage of an invitation-only event in Hawaii that involved Ben Saxton and Chaim Schalk and fast-improving Kristina Valjas and Jamie Broder, all of them with their sights on Rio 2016. And why not, as they are among the best in the world.

We haven’t forgotten the CIS and CCAA, with a couple of insiders kicking in. Our Sitting National Team was in the news recently, too, battling powerhouses Brazil and the States.

Freeballs takes a look at coaching’s perils, the Royals and even yoga training for volleyballers, so don’t miss it. And our popular Get the Edge pages include tips from 2009 Canada Games gold medalist Reid Hall. With the Sochi Games fast approaching, you’ll also want to catch Natascha Wesch’s take on dealing with Olympic expectations.